American Cockroach

Lore & Background

Despite the name, none of the Periplaneta species is native to the Americas; P. americana was introduced to what is now the United States from Africa as early as 1625. They are now common in tropical climates because human activity has extended the insects' range of habitation, and are virtually cosmopolitan in distribution as a result of global commerce. The sex pheromone of the American cockroach is periplanone-B, isolated from the feces of virgin female cockroaches. When female American cockroaches are housed in groups, this close association promotes facultative parthenogenic reproduction via automixis. The American cockroach has been used as an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, with references to its usage in the Compendium of Materia Medica and Shennong Ben Cao Jing.

In Their Own Story

In the film *Damnation Alley*, a post-apocalyptic Salt Lake City, Utah is infected with a four-inch long, flesh-eating mutant cockroach (played by the Madagascar hissing cockroach). In *Men in Black*, the Bug is an insectoid alien who kills a farmer named Edgar and utilizes his skin as a disguise. In *WALL-E*, WALL-E keeps a cockroach as his pet. In *Enchanted*, cockroaches (and other pests) assist a princess with housecleaning duties such as scrubbing the bathtub.

Reader's Guide

American cockroaches generally live in moist areas but can survive in dry areas if they have access to water. They prefer high temperatures around 29 °C (84 °F) and do not tolerate low temperatures. These cockroaches are common in basements, crawl spaces, cracks and crevices of porches, foundations, and walkways adjacent to buildings. In cold climates, these cockroaches may move indoors, seeking warmer environments and food. Cockroach populations may be controlled through the use of glue board traps or insecticides. Covering any cracks or crevices through which cockroaches may enter, sealing food inside insect-proof containers, and quickly cleaning any spills or messes is beneficial. Another way to prevent an infestation is to thoroughly check any materials brought inside: cockroaches and their egg cases can be hidden inside or on furniture, or inside boxes, suitcases, grocery bags, etc.

Did You Know?

• The American cockroach is one of the fastest-running insects, with a recorded speed of 5.4 km/h (3.4 mph), about 50 body lengths per second.
• The American cockroach genome is the second-largest insect genome on record, after Locusta migratoria, and codes for 522 taste receptors—the largest number found among sequenced insect genomes.
• Adult American cockroaches can live up to an additional year after maturing, and females produce an average of 150 young.
• The American cockroach has been used in traditional Chinese medicine; an ethanol extract called Kāngfùxīn Yè is prescribed for wound healing and tissue repair.